STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF NAKAI-NAM THEUN NATIONAL PARK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN LAO PDR

Sythud PHIMMACHANH; Chanin  Vaseenonta; Jitti KITTILERTPAISAN; Pissadarn SAENCHAT

doi:10.14456/tisr.2026.12

Authors

Sythud PHIMMACHANH Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Thailand
Chanin VASEENONTA Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Thailand
Jitti KITTILERTPAISAN Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Thailand
Pissadarn SAENCHAT Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/tisr.2026.12

Keywords:

Strategic Management, National Park Administration, Nakai-Nam Theun, World Heritage Preparation, Sustainable Community Tourism

Abstract

This qualitative study thoroughly analyzes the organizational environment to formulate strategic management guidelines for Nakai-Nam Theun National Park in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The empirical data were collected through collaborative workshops involving 49 key informants actively engaged in the park's administration, followed by rigorous thematic content analysis. Findings reveal that while the park possesses defined operational approaches, it confronts critical weaknesses, including severe personnel shortages, insufficient budgets, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated administrative methodologies. Furthermore, various political, economic, technological, and environmental factors present both significant opportunities and developmental obstacles. To address these complex challenges, the research proposes five strategic issues: driving integrated government policies, fostering community-based creative tourism, cultivating a data-driven learning organization, enhancing personnel capacity through modern technology, and strengthening regional networks to achieve World Heritage status. Ultimately, these actionable strategies encompass eight management dimensions, providing a vital framework for highly sustainable conservation, targeted resource development, and systematic biodiversity monitoring within this globally significant ecological landscape.

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